Abstract: Implement hitch height control structure to maintain a rear hitch point at a generally constant height as the implement is raised and lowered. In one embodiment, a rectangular hitch frame is pivotally connected at a forwardmost end to lever arms on the implement lift rockshaft. Linkage structure connected between the hitch frame and the implement frame help control hitch frame attitude, rear hitch point height and force transfer to the implement frame. The hitch frame is located substantially behind the implement rockshaft for minimal interference with tool placement on the frame and limited interference with trash and soil flow under the main frame. In another embodiment, linkage structure includes a second rockshaft connected generally above the aft end of the main frame.

Abstract: Implement hitch height control structure to maintain a rear hitch point at a generally constant height as the implement is raised and lowered. In one embodiment, a rectangular hitch frame is pivotally connected at a forwardmost end to lever arms on the implement lift rockshaft. Linkage structure connected between the hitch frame and the implement frame help control hitch frame attitude, rear hitch point height and force transfer to the implement frame. The hitch frame is located substantially behind the implement rockshaft for minimal interference with tool placement on the frame and limited interference with trash and soil flow under the main frame. In another embodiment, linkage structure includes a second rockshaft connected generally above the aft end of the main frame.

Abstract: Ripper point structure includes a nose with a tapered top that initiates lift and fracture of compacted soil layers. The tapered top with an included angle of about 100 degrees just forward of the parting wear shin creates a parting stress which increases until the center portion of the soil profile is cut by a sharp leading edge of the shin. In a winged embodiment, gently sloping ripper point wings gradually enter the fracture plane left below the lifted compaction layer and initiate a second fracture of the soil profile. The wings are spaced rearwardly from the point so that the point and wear shin have enough time to lift, fracture, and part the soil profile in contact with the shank prior to any wing action.

Abstract: A forward acting wheel arm for a drawn hitch includes a pivot point directly below the rear rank of the machine frame, and the wheels are rotated directly in front of the front rank during field operation. For transport, the wheels rotate below the front rank to minimize tongue-lightness. The need for stabilizer wheels on the rear of the machine is eliminated, and the wheel arms can be actuated with either series or parallel hydraulic cylinders. The wheel arm pivot and cylinder base end connection are both located on the same support plate, and the hydraulic cylinder force is internalized within the plate rather than being translated through the wheel module mounting hardware.

Abstract: A depth control system particularly useful for single point depth control on an agricultural implement includes a valve and actuator mounted directly to the pivotal connection areas of a hydraulic cylinder that controls height. Cylinder motion directly controls valve actuation independently of complicated linkages to reduce the size and cost of the system and substantially overcome hysteresis problems.

Abstract: A tower and wheel arm assembly for an implement frame includes a pair of identical single piece pivot castings which are selectively connectible at different locations along the frame and provide both wheel arm pivoting and a cylinder anchor tower pivoting. The wheel arm axle extends between the castings pivots within cylindrical cavities located in the castings. External cylindrical surfaces concentric with the cavities rotatably support a pair of tower plates which include circular openings received over the external cylindrical surfaces. Casting symmetry allows the same part to be used interchangeably for either the right-hand or left-hand support.

Abstract: A depth control system particularly useful for single point depth control on an agricultural implement includes a valve and actuator mounted directly to the pivotal connection areas of a hydraulic cylinder that controls height. Cylinder motion directly controls valve actuation independently of complicated linkages to reduce the size and cost of the system and substantially overcome hysteresis problems.

Abstract: A simplified, low component harrow attachment includes several clevis-like mounting castings pivotally connected between two identical flat side sheets. A link which pivots the ranks in unison is pinned to the legs of the mounting castings between the sheets by free-floating pins captured between the sheets. The castings can pivot to a retracted position and be secured by a pin for increased clearance between the teeth and the ground during transport. The rear mounting casting has a longer clevis structure than the remainder of the castings and serves as a tine depth stop when a stop pin is inserted through apertures in the sheets.

Abstract: A rockshaft is mounted over the front rank of the implement frame and is operated by cylinders located at opposite ends of the rockshaft connected to lift arms extending radially adjacent bearing mounts. Fore-and-aft extending links aligned with the lift arms and mounts operate lift wheel assemblies. A hitch arm connected near the center of the rockshaft is directly connected to a hitch turnbuckle for level lift operation. An aligned arrangement of cylinders, cylinder brackets, links and arms provides minimal torsional loading, particularly when the rockshaft is rotated to fully raise the implement frame for transport and is in the most susceptible shock loading condition. Moment arms are controlled to minimize rockshaft torsional loading during highest stress conditions. The front-mounted rockshaft provides simplicity and advantageous weight distribution.

Abstract: A simplified, low component harrow attachment includes several clevis-like mounting castings pivotally connected between two identical flat side sheets. A link which pivots the ranks in unison is pinned to the legs of the mounting castings between the sheets by free-floating pins captured between the sheets. The castings can pivot to a retracted position and be secured by a pin for increased clearance between the teeth and the ground during transport. The rear mounting casting has a longer clevis structure than the remainder of the castings and serves as a tine depth stop when a stop pin is inserted through apertures in the sheets.

Abstract: A leveling wheel assembly for a deep tillage ripper tool includes a support bracket fixed to the upper end of the ripper shank and a wheel support arm pivotally connected to the aft end of the bracket. Wheel support structure rotatably mounts a pair of leveling wheels offset several feet behind the ripper point. An adjustable downpressure spring provides an effective moment arm that decreases with spring compression to provide a generally constant downpressure as the wheels move vertically with respect to the shank over a substantial range of ripper depth changes and when large obstacles are encountered. The wheel support structure includes slots for adjusting the spacing of the leveling wheels and the angle of the wheels relative to the forward direction depending on soil conditions.

Abstract: A leveling wheel assembly for a deep tillage ripper tool includes a support bracket fixed to the upper end of the ripper shank and a wheel support arm pivotally connected to the aft end of the bracket. Wheel support structure rotatably mounts a pair of leveling wheels offset several feet behind the ripper point. An adjustable downpressure spring provides an effective moment arm that decreases with spring compression to provide a generally constant downpressure as the wheels move vertically with respect to the shank over a substantial range of ripper depth changes and when large obstacles are encountered. The wheel support structure includes slots for adjusting the spacing of the leveling wheels and the angle of the wheels relative to the forward direction depending on soil conditions.

Abstract: A deep tillage ripper point includes an aggressive long, narrow leading point portion with a top surface that forms a steep angle of approximately 40-50 degrees with the horizontal. An intermediate portion has a top surface and wings extending at a relatively shallow angle of about 15 degrees relative to the horizontal. A centrally located vertical fin having a width of about half the width of the leading point portion and approximately equal to the width of the ripper shank extends upwardly from the leading point portion rearwardly and above the forward edge and forwardly of the leading edges of the wings. Pre-fracturing action of the fin initiates substantial lateral displacement of the soil prior to the soil contacting the wings. The fin reduces violent vertical eruption of the soil when contacted by the wings and provides improved soil profile.